Kara Lawson has a history of success in women’s basketball, including a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in the WNBA. As the head coach of Duke women’s basketball, she has recently led her team to remarkable achievements, including winning their second consecutive ACC tournament crown.
Despite a challenging start to the season with a record of 3-6, Lawson’s leadership has transformed the team. They rallied to win 17 straight games after what Lawson described as a ‘rock bottom’ moment. This impressive turnaround has earned Duke a No. 3 seed in the Sacramento 2 Region for the NCAA tournament.
Lawson, who became the youngest coach of the U.S. women’s national team since Anne Donovan in 2006, has also made waves on the international stage. She served as head coach of the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team, which achieved a perfect record of 7-0.
Reflecting on her team’s journey, Lawson expressed her pride in their ability to navigate the ups and downs of the season. “For our team to be able to navigate the ups and downs of the journey this year, to be able to come through that and hit a good stretch, to be able to sweep the regular season and tournament titles, I’m just so proud of what we’ve been able to do,” she stated.
Her coaching style and passion have not gone unnoticed. Caitlin Clark, a prominent player in women’s basketball, praised Lawson, saying, “Her passion, her energy, her competitive spirit, that impacts all of us.” Brad Stevens, another respected figure in the sport, highlighted Lawson’s communication skills, noting, “She’s an amazing communicator, like, amazing. Smart. Prepared.”
As the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup approaches, Lawson’s experience and success will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of women’s basketball. With 13 gold medals to her name as both a coach and a player, her legacy continues to grow.
Looking ahead, the basketball community eagerly anticipates what Lawson will achieve next, both at Duke and on the international stage. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in sports.
